WHO WE ARE . . .
HorseSense is owned and operated by Nikki and Dana Surrusco. Click here to read about us and the rest of the staff at HorseSense. After operating our riding school and boarding operation for six years as "The Stables at Eagle Mountain" in Ellijay, we've found a new home at Fowler Farm in Talking Rock (just 9 miles from the Eagle Mountain gate). Best of all, we get to leave the boarding operation in the capable hands of Travis and Mary Fowler so we can focus on our riding school -- which is why we're here in the first place!
. . . WHAT WE DO . . .
The short answer: we run an eventing-based riding academy and boarding facility that is centered on Pony Club principles of riding safety and horse management. Our primary business is our riding school, but we also offer boarding options for qualified people and horses.
The REALLY long answer: We have lots of goals! We teach high standards of horsemanship to insure that both the horse and the rider have a safe and enjoyable relationship. In the barn, we promote the same high standards of horse care, with the belief that riders of all ages need a system of equine education to prevent unwitting abuse of the horse -- because in the end, it's all about making horses (and their people) happy.
Through weekly riding lessons, HorseSense clinics, day camps, and our Working Student program, we teach both young people and adults the realities of horse ownership and competition. In essence, we teach:
responsibility and commitment to the safety of the rider and the welfare of horse
a strong work ethic
the importance of goals and the sense of empowerment that follows achievement
the role of good sportsmanship in success
the rewarding relationship that develops between a trusting horse and a knowledgeable rider and caretaker
. . . AND WHY WE DO IT
We think that being around horses is an invaluable way to teach kids lessons about life -- and it's wonderful therapy for us adults! We were fortunate to learn many of those lessons from our experience with United States Pony Clubs. USPC teaches its members to give back, both to the club and to the community. This is our way of sharing the joy and fulfillment we've found in a life with horses.